Teal

I have been writing my checks with purple ink for over 15 years (came in handy a few years ago when someone stole my checks) my bank did not hesitate to give my money back because the checks were not written in purple ink. . . . sometimes it pays to be a little different :-)

Ouch! sounds rather painful. No, I never had that problem after my surgery in fact I am rather regular, I get undressed to take a shower and I have to go (it does not matter what time of the day or night if I am getting ready to step in the shower I have to go first) One thing I notice though is after my fills I get diarrhoea for 1-2 days and then back to normal.

I just had my 3rd fill yesterday and it was virtually painless. My doc does mine under floro so he finds my port on the first try every time. It really is no biggie....... nothing weird at all (I hate needles too so I usually close my eyes until the needle in in then I watch on the monitor while I swallow that awful tasting stuff) that part is kinda neat to watch as the liquid goes down while I swallow.

I burp a LOT too (after meals) about 20-25 burps after eating (sometimes during the meal) but then it goes away until the next meal. I am glad it's the burps and not the other one :-)

I wish your wife a speedy recovery.

I watched the show too, it was very inspirational. I don't really care how these people lost their weight (I don't look to TV for role models) I am just happy that these people are out of the self-made prison some overweight people build for themselves.

My doctor will only do my fills once per month, unfills are as needed but he beleives that it takes a couple weeks for the fill to kick in so he waits a WHOLE month. I have had 2 fills so far and I hope fill #3 will give me that "Sweet Spot" I want.

wooohooo . . . . . . congrats on being a big looser :-) you are doing great.

Hello BillysMom, this period is what we affectioately call "Bandsters Hell" I am NOT an expert at this as I have been banded only about 3 months. Here is what worked for me, I drank LOTS of teas and ate a lot of sugar free popcicles (I got sick of jello). I know this is not an easy time but it is so worth it, hang in there you can do this.

My doctor does ALL fills under floro period. I have had 2 fills so far and he hits my port on the first try both times, thank heavens. I am not saying floro works everytime but I would say it is more accurate that doing them 'blind' (IMHO)

I got 1.5 cc's about six weeks after being banded and last Monday I got another 1.5 cc's..... I still have no restriction even with a total of 3cc's in a 10 cc band. I have heard that sometimes fills takes a couple weeks to kick in so I am hoping that will be the case for me otherwise I am going in for another one early next month.

Spanx's are wonderful, I get mine at Lane Bryant. They offer a really smooth finish to your clothes without being tight and uncomfprtable. Does not bother my port at all.

Skinny Jeans ? what the heck are those? I have been overweight since I hit puberty at 12 years old. I have NEVER owned a skinny jeans, but I will soon, whoohoo!

<p><p>This might sound vain but I can't wait towear a bra & panty set without having to cover up the panty with a girdle. </p></p>

Chicago, IL

1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese 1 tsp grape jelly 40-45 seconds in the magic bullet Feels as if I am eating desert, yummy

If you could change: 1) One physical (other than weight) thing about yourself, what would it be? I would have a little less boobs and a little more butt (it's a sad thing when a black woman has no butt) 2) One non-physical thing about yourself (mental, situation, etc.), what would it be? I think things to death, sometimes I wish I could just be like the Nike ad and 'just do it' And how about the same two questions, only now applied to your partner/spouse? I wouldn't change anything physical about him (thank God he does not know about this forum) I wish he was not so focused on making $ $ $ $

I had 6 incisions total (my gall bladder was removed at the same time I was banded) two of my steri strips came off during regular showers and my doctor removed the other four when I went in for my 2 week check-up he said they were healing nicely and I should just let them get some air to continue the healing process.

You are not ridiculous at all Misty, I have been practicing my chewing for the past week too. Tonight it actually took me 25 minutes to eat 1 cup rigatoni pasta and I waited an hour before having my tea. I will be banded on Monday 8.20.07. Good luck!

Anyone here had their gallbladder removed at the same time they had their band put in? If you have, how long did you stay in hospital? Please let me know, this is what I am facing and I am a bit nervous. Thanks in advance Teal

Dr. Denham comes highly recommended, actually I met 2 ladies at my part time job @ Lane Bryant and Dr. Denham was their surgeon. They are both very pleased with the results of their surgery and the care he gave them.

Hello & Welcome Jim, Congrats on taking the first step toward better health. I am in the Midwest too. Read and do your research, ask TONS of questions (there are no silly questions when it comes to your health) The folks here are great, I have learned soooo much from them. I usually e-mail my doctor's office to verify stuff I have read here and have never been disappointed. Teal

We are in the same boat Katie, my surgery is scheduled for the 3oth but I still don't have insurance approval yet. I am so tempted to put it on my charge card. I'll keep my fingers crossed for both of us that we will get good news soon. . . . . . . . . hang in there :-)

My insurance paid for the 3 months of visits with the nutritionist and with the counselor/shrink/behavior modification specialist. I did not even have to pay my co-pay with the nutritionist but with the counselor I had to pay my $30 co-pay, $90 total so that was'n't too bad. The excercise part is what cost the most, $760 for 3 months with a personal trainer, and it would have cost me more if I hadn't cut the visits to 30 minutes each (three times per week) OUCH, so there goes my Vegas vacation this year :-( ............. oh well it's for a good cause and Vegas will still be there next year when I am healthier and trimmer :-)

This is probably a silly question, but I was wondering if anyone has ever had a problem with their port setting off the alarm thingie while going through security at the airport?